Mercedes Sprinter W906 Stolen Ignition Replacement London
W906 Sprinter ignition stolen, drilled, or forced? We replace the ignition barrel, EIS unit, and code new keys — all on-site. All variants 2006–2018. London & Essex, Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 (2006–2018) is one of the most targeted vehicles for ignition theft in London. Its widespread use in trades, logistics, and passenger transport makes it an attractive target — and its original ignition housing can be forced by experienced thieves in under two minutes. If your W906 Sprinter has had its ignition stolen, drilled, or tampered with, Car Locksmith London provides a complete on-site replacement service. We replace both the mechanical ignition barrel and the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) unit, and code a fresh set of keys to the vehicle — no main dealer required.
🚨 Is Your W906 Ignition at Risk?
The W906 Sprinter is London's most-stolen van model. Thieves target the ignition because the original plastic ignition housing can be defeated quickly with a screwdriver and a makeshift key blank. If your van has been broken into but the ignition hasn't yet been taken, call us — we can fit a reinforced ignition shroud and advise on additional security before it becomes a problem.
About the Mercedes Sprinter W906
The W906 generation covers all Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans produced between 2006 and 2018. It was replaced by the W907 in late 2018. The W906 uses a conventional key with a chip-based immobiliser, interfacing with the vehicle's ECU through the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS). When thieves attack the ignition, they typically destroy:
- The external ignition barrel housing and key barrel mechanism
- The EIS unit behind the barrel, which manages key authentication
- In some cases, wiring to the EIS — requiring additional diagnostics
We carry stock of W906 ignition barrels and EIS units and have the diagnostic tools to recode the replacement unit to your vehicle's VIN — restoring full immobiliser function without any original keys.
W906 Sprinter Variants We Cover (2006–2018)
We cover all W906 body styles and engine variants including:
All diesel variants covered (209 CDI through 519 CDI). Also covers petrol, NGT (natural gas), and 4x4 variants. If your Sprinter is a 2006–2018 model, we cover it.
The Replacement Process
Call Us With Your Registration
We verify the exact W906 variant and confirm parts availability. In most cases we carry stock — same-day attendance is standard for London.
We Attend Your Location
Our technician comes to wherever the van is parked — your premises, a car park, the roadside. No recovery or towing needed.
Remove Damaged Ignition
We remove the destroyed barrel and EIS unit safely, inspecting the wiring and ECU connections for any additional damage caused during the theft.
Fit & Code Replacement Unit
We fit the replacement ignition barrel and EIS unit, then use specialist diagnostic equipment to code new keys to the vehicle's ECU using the VIN. No original keys needed.
Full Function Test
We test start, stop, door locking, and immobiliser function before leaving. You receive a full invoice and parts receipt — suitable for insurance claims.
After the Repair — Securing Your W906
The W906 is heavily targeted for a reason — the original ignition is a known weak point. After our repair, we recommend:
- Reinforced ignition shroud — a hardened steel collar around the ignition that defeats the most common attack method (screwdriver forcing). Available from commercial van security specialists.
- Visible deterrents — steering wheel lock or pedal clamp. Thieves choose the easiest target — visible deterrents push them to the next van.
- Secondary immobiliser — a hidden kill switch or aftermarket immobiliser adds a second barrier even if the ignition is bypassed.
- GPS tracker — doesn't prevent theft but significantly increases recovery rate and can deter professional thieves who know trackers are present.
- Secure parking — CCTV-monitored, well-lit compounds or locked yards eliminate the majority of opportunistic theft. Street parking overnight in high-risk areas (East London, Outer East) is the highest-risk scenario.
- Tilt/motion alarm — an aftermarket alarm with tilt sensor detects the approach angle used when thieves force the ignition, triggering the siren before entry is complete.
What to Do If Your W906 Sprinter Ignition Has Been Stolen
- Do not attempt to start the van — if wiring has been damaged or cross-wired, forcing a start can cause electrical faults or fire risk
- Report to the police — get a crime reference number before calling your insurer; many policies require this before a claim can proceed
- Call your insurer — notify them of the theft and confirm whether ignition replacement is covered (it typically is as part of the vandalism/theft category)
- Call us — we can attend the same day in most cases and carry out the full replacement on-site. We provide a full invoice for your claim
Pricing
Full W906 ignition barrel and EIS replacement with new keys typically costs £300–£600 + VAT. The final price depends on parts availability, the number of keys required, and whether any additional wiring or ECU work is needed. We quote a fixed price before starting.
All prices exclude VAT. We provide a full receipt and parts invoice suitable for insurance claims. Call for your specific quote: 07788 448 816
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a stolen W906 Sprinter ignition without the original keys?
Yes. We replace the W906 ignition barrel and Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) without any original keys or existing key codes. Using the vehicle's VIN, we source a matching replacement barrel and code new keys to the immobiliser on-site. You end up with a fully operational ignition and a set of working keys.
Do I need a police crime reference number before you can start?
We don't require a crime reference number to carry out the work — that's between you and your insurer. However, we strongly recommend reporting the theft to the police and getting a reference number before calling us, as most insurers will need it for any claim. We can provide a receipt and work description for your insurer.
Will my Sprinter be driveable the same day?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. We carry W906 ignition barrels and EIS units in stock or can source them quickly. The full replacement and key coding typically takes 2–3 hours on-site. We verify full start, drive, and immobiliser function before leaving, so the vehicle is road-ready the same day.
What's the ignition barrel or the EIS on a W906?
The W906 Sprinter uses an Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS), which communicates with the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to authorise starting. When thieves steal the ignition, they typically go and make a key to come back to the vehicle. We replace and recode another ignition unit with different codes on all stolen ignition jobs.
How much does W906 ignition replacement cost?
Full W906 ignition barrel and EIS replacement with new keys coded typically costs £300–£600 + VAT. The price varies with parts availability and the number of keys required. We quote a fixed price before starting — no hidden charges. If your insurer is covering the cost, we provide a full invoice and parts receipt.
How do I secure my W906 Sprinter against ignition theft in future?
The W906 is a frequent target due to its popularity and the ease with which basic ignition covers can be forced. After our repair, consider: fitting a steering wheel lock or pedal box as a visible deterrent; installing a secondary immobiliser or GPS tracker; parking in well-lit, CCTV-covered areas or a locked compound; and fitting a reinforced ignition shroud (we offer this). We can advise on the most common attack points for the W906 specifically.
Related Services
W906 Ignition Stolen? Call Now — Same Day Repair.
Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm · No call-out fee · Insurance receipt provided
📞 07788 448 816